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Arguably, the material transfer device (MTD) is the most important piece of ancillary equipment that can significantly impact the efficiency of the paving process. Attaching to and being maneuvered by the paver, the MTD will help a contractor match the production at the plant to the paving train, deliver a more uniform product to the paver and improve trucking efficiencies.

"Contractors will use MTDs, like the Cedarapids MS-4, mat smoothness machine to establish a continuous paving process, increase production and reduce both material and thermal segregation," comments Bill Rieken, paver applications specialist for Terex Roadbuilding's Cedarapids, Inc.

Increased production

A primary reason for the boost in productivity, some contractors claiming upwards to a 40 percent increase, is the much more efficient utilization of delivery trucks. Without the MTD, contractors hold the truck to the paver much longer. When the truck is empty, the paver hopper is virtually empty as well, allowing the paver to move only a short distance before running out of mix. This establishes a stop-and-go paving process because the paver has to wait for the next truck to replenish the surge of mix in the hopper.

By incorporating an MTD into the paving train, the contractor establishes a continuous paving process. The surge capacity built within the hopper of the MTD feeds the paver's hopper, so the delivery truck is not tied to the paver as long as when paving without the MTD. The goal when using an MTD is to leave the paver hopper full in between truck exchanges, so the train can continue paving while picking up the next delivery truck.

According to Rieken, "When continuously paving, the contractor can pave at a slower speed to match the production at the plant. Without a transfer device, the paver has to pave faster in order to make up time for the truck exchange and match the speed of the mix coming from the plant. This results in a stop-start paving process." Even though paving at a slower speed, the contractor can lay more asphalt during a shift, since the paving is constantly moving.